My apologies to anyone who may – possibly – have come to Viking Fest Minnesota in Farmington on Sunday, and found me not among those present. It was due to what television announcers, when I was young, used to call “circumstances beyond our control.”

I drove down to the Dakota County fairgrounds on Saturday morning, without incident. I babied Sigrid the Haughty, my Subaru Forester, as planned, and she did not overheat. My confidence in her grew – I felt I could probably continue driving her lightly until I get a different car – as long as it’s soon.

The day went fine. The festival is set up in two sections – there’s the central area for the hard-core reenactors, so that visitors can get some idea of an authentic, period Viking camp. Few or no modern objects on view.

Around that is the periphery, where I was posted. Mostly vendors. A lot of people from the Renaissance Fest. Crafts, mystical crystals, knickknacks. I was there, with my tables of books. I had a friend manning the booth with me, selling a few of our club’s white elephants. We chatted pleasantly. Many people came by, and a fair number of them bought books. I saw a couple visiting friends. The weather was unseasonably warm – almost 90 degrees Fahrenheit. And the wind was annoying – not as bad as Minot had been, but several times we had to set things aright after they’d been knocked over.

When it was over, at 6:00 p.m., we moved my books and gear into a friend’s tent for the night. My plan was to go home to sleep, and return the following morning.

As I headed for the parking lot, I was stopped by someone (I won’t identify them, or even their sex) whom I didn’t know personally, but who knew who I was. Facebook friend. They greeted me and told me they were on my side. They were aware of some trouble I’ve had with a different Viking event – something I haven’t written about here, and still won’t for the time being. They said  they didn’t entirely agree with my opinions, but they supported my right to express them. I told them this was very gratifying, which it was. I left with a warm glow.

That glow faded as the engine temperature in my car spiked, just a couple miles outside of town. I ended up calling AAA for a tow home. I called one of the Vikings to tell him I wouldn’t be able to be there on Sunday. I no longer trust Sigrid the Haughty to get me places.

It’s not practical to replace a head gasket on an old Forester with turbo. So I’ll be getting a different car. Just as soon as I can move some money around.

If I can get it in time, I plan to be at the festival next weekend. If not, so be it.

Oh yes – it rained yesterday and some of my books got wet. Not the fault of the guy whose tent was sheltering them – these are the chances you take when you camp out. Or when your books camp out. Books are essentially indoor pets.

I’m not griping. I have my health (mostly). I am alive, and free, and not living on the street. This too shall pass.